Jen looking up at the chemo bags – angelo merendino © 2011 – www.angelomerendino.com

 *R.I.P. Jennifer Merendino 10/6/71 – 10/22/2011

I must write this quick update about Jen, as she unfortunately lost her battle with Cancer on 10/22/11.  It’s extremely hard to write anything because the wounds are still not healed enough for me to write any that can do her justice. She was such a strong and amazing woman and inspired so many people.  I love you Jen and thank you for changing so many peoples lives for the better. May you rest in peace and no longer be in pain.

Jen & Angelo – Photo by: Angelo Merendino © 2011

I have been wanting to write this post for a while, but it didn’t feel right until now.My boyfriend’s co-worker Angelo [angelomerendino.com] and his wife Jen, (who are now mutual friends of ours) have been battling cancer for the past 4 years.  Jack and Angelo met shortly before Jen was first diagnosed with breast cancer.  I can still remember the tearful phone call from Jack when he had first heard the news.  Jen is one of the most amazingly, charismatic, and beautiful people I have ever met, she especially should never deserve such pain and suffering.

I must say, that having met both Jen and Angelo, they have drastically changed our lives for the better.  Although, we are on the outside of their struggles, they have managed to positively affect us and widely inspire us to live better lives.